Legends and Customs of Wales

Legends and Customs of Wales

Wales has a rich heritage of legends and folk customs, many of which you can read about on the HistoryPoints website. Follow the links below to discover the stories – each comes with a map to show you the relevant location in Wales.

Some of the stories relate to the early Christian saints who worked miracles or established cells after suffering losses or seeing the error of their earlier ways. Later Christians performed rituals at wells dedicated to certain saints, often in hope of cures.

You can also read about witches, pirates, beasts, folk heroes, tomb raiders, mermaids, giants, the Tylwyth Teg (“fair folk”) and clever people who outwitted the devil. Other stories stem from historic literature, including the Mabinogion and tales of King Arthur. We also highlight places where you can see physical evidence of ancient traditions for yourself.

You can also tap into Wales’ remarkable tradition of nicknames, essential in a country where there weren’t many names to go round. We also highlight some curious alternatives to official place-names.

North-West Wales

Anglesey

Llanddona - witches arrived by boat and held generations of residents in fear

Red Wharf Bay - home of poet of legendary strength who once freed a cart which three horses couldn’t move